Ellison ready for first step back Bullets forward may return Dec. 2

Washington Bullets forward Pervis Ellison has been medically cleared to begin working out with the team, and could be in uniform when the team is host to the Seattle SuperSonics on Dec. 2.

It's the best news the Bullets have received on Ellison, who on May 12 underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove cartilage from both knees.

Ellison was examined yesterday by Dr. Steve Haas, who said the knees were fit enough for the 6-foot-10 forward to begin drills. However, Ellison has yet to be cleared to scrimmage at full speed.

Hampered by leg problems since his rookie season, when he was the top pick of the 1988 draft by the Sacramento Kings, Ellison was expected to be back on the court by August. But when he reported to training camp last month in Shepherdstown, W.Va., Ellison was immediately sent home to continue therapy under the care of doctors in the Washington area.

Playing mainly at center last season, Ellison averaged 17.4 points and 8.8 rebounds in 49 games. With the acquisition of center Kevin Duckworth, Ellison will move to power forward, the position that best suits his 225-pound frame.

The Bullets also announced yesterday that they have waived 7-0 center Tito Horford, which clears the way for the activation of 7-7 rookie Gheorghe Muresan.

Horford, who made the team as a free agent, played sparingly in three games, averaging 9.3 minutes a game and not scoring a point.

The Bullets did not immediately activate Muresan, who was placed on the injured list with chickenpox before the start of the season. They are expected to do so before tomorrow's game against the Milwaukee Bucks at USAir Arena. Muresan has been practicing with the team.

Horford was one of three free agents who made the Bullets' roster. The others, Kenny Walker and Mitchell Butler, have been impressive with their increased playing time over the past three games and could create some difficult decisions when Ellison and Larry Stewart (broken foot) come off the injured list.